New car wash planned

The Zoning Board of Appeals at its March 16 meeting approved plans for a car wash at 4812-20 W. Lawrence Ave., and a liquor store at 5530 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Superior Super Auto Wash is planning to demolish the existing self-service car wash near Lawrence and Cicero avenues in which motorists pull into individual bays.

The proposal calls for a "traditional drive-through wash, (which) will be much less disruptive and more attractive," said Alderman John Arena’s chief of staff Owen Brugh.

The zoning board approved a variation that reduces the rear setback from the required 30 feet to the existing 1 foot to allow for the proposed one-story car wash and trash enclosures. A rear alley separates the car wash site from homes on West Gunnison Street.

The board also approved a special use request that allows the owner of Community Food and Liquor, 5530 N. Milwaukee Ave., to convert the convenience store into a full-service liquor store with a wide variety of craft beers and wines, similar to his shop in Downtown Norwood Park.

The owner has agreed to remove a walk-up window next to the main entrance and to install new coolers and modern-looking signage, similar to the decor at his Norwood Park Wine and Spirits, 6056 N. Northwest Hwy.

The Gladstone Park Neighborhood Association and Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce have voiced support for the project.

A plan of operation restricts the store’s hours and prohibits certain type of alcohol products from being sold, according to Brugh. The plan is a condition of the store’s liquor license, and violations can result in revocation of the license.